• Extreme Heat Warnings issued for parts of Arizona, California and Nevada, temperatures above 49°C (120°F) forecast

    Extreme Heat Warnings have been issued across large parts of Arizona, California, and Nevada as a prolonged heat event is forecast to persist through at least Monday, July 27, 2026. Afternoon temperatures are expected to reach 38 to above 49°C (100 to more than 120°F), while exceptionally warm overnight lows are forecast to provide little relief, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

  • Sandy Fire forces evacuations and school closures in Ventura County, California

    The Sandy Fire, discovered at around 10:50 local time (LT) on May 18, 2026, has burned more than 526 ha (1 300 acres) across Simi Valley in Ventura County, California, forcing mandatory evacuations for more than 10 000 homes and triggering warnings for thousands more as firefighters battle rapid fire spread driven by dry and windy conditions.

  • Three tornadoes hit central California in third such day since 1955

    A rare tornado event occurred in California after three tornadoes touched down in Fresno and Merced counties on April 21, 2026. This was the third time since 1955 that three or more tornadoes have touched down in the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford Office’s jurisdiction.